Nesfatin-1 Evokes Ca2+ Signaling in Isolated Vagal Afferent Neurons Via Ca2+ Influx Through N-type Channels

Nesfatin-1, processed from nucleobindin 2, is an anorexigenic peptide expressed in the brain and several peripheral tissues including the stomach and pancreas. Peripheral, as well as intracerebroventricular, administration of nesfatin-1 suppresses feeding behavior, though underlying mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we examined effects of nesfatin-1 on cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in the neurons isolated from the vagal afferent nodose ganglion of mice. Nesfatin-1 at 10(-10)-10(-8)M increased [Ca(2+)](i) in the isolated neurons in a concentration-dependent manner, and at 10(-8)M it increased [Ca(2+)](i) in 33 out of 263 (12.5%) neurons. These responses were inhibited under Ca(2+)-free conditions and by N-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, omega-conotoxin GVIA. All the nesfatin-1-responsive neurons also exhibited [Ca(2+)](i) responses to capsaicin and cholecystokinin-8. These results provide direct evidence that nesfatin-1 activates vagal afferent neurons by stimulating Ca(2+) influx through N-type channels, demonstrating the machinery through which peripheral nesfatin-1 can convey signals to the brain.